IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)

IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)

Captain Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson rallied New Zealand with centuries, after the loss of three early wickets, to put them in a strong position at the end of the first day in the first Test against India at Eden Park, Auckland, on Thursday.

McCullum was unbeaten on 143 at close of play, registering his eighth Test century in the process, while Williamson was dismissed after tea for 113, his fifth Test hundred, as the hosts ended the day well-placed on 329 for four.

Image: Brendon McCullum of New Zealand celebrates his century in Auckland on ThursdayPhotographs: Phil Walter/Getty Images

IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)

Earlier, in the morning session, after India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won his sixth successive toss on the tour and put New Zealand in to bat, Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan had the hosts on the backfoot by striking early and claiming the wickets of Hamish Rutherford, Peter Fulton and Ross Taylor.

IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)

Following the dismissal of Williamson by Zaheer, McCullum continued in his attacking vein and quickly put on another 50 runs with new batsman Corey Anderson, as the score crossed the 300-mark in the 82nd over.

All-rounder Anderson was unbeaten on 42 with McCullum at close of play.